Four on the Floor #5: Best Dads on TV

The Criteria: Most people would probably think of the outwardly supportive and loving father: your Ward Cleavers, Cliff Huxtables, or Steven Keatons. But, let’s be honest, they’re boring. And, I question whether or not they were really doing their kids a service. The world is far from perfect, and a dad needs to teach his kids that important lesson.

1. Homer Simpson

Sure, Homer’s not the brightest bulb on the Christmas Tree and his parenting style borders on neglect, but you can’t deny that, deep down, he loved his family. Don’t believe me? Think of the number of times he’s done ridiculously dangerous or stupid things just for his family.

2. Keith Mars

Sheriff-turned P.I.-turned Sheriff (again) Keith Mars dishes out firm parental advice with a goofball delivery. How do you not love a guy who teaches his kid how to be a P.I. one minute, then tells her not to put herself in unnecessary danger the next?

3. Al Bundy

Life isn’t all rainbows, sunshine and lollipops. Sometimes you go from scoring four touchdowns in a single game to selling women’s shoes in the mall. Al never sugarcoated things for his kids, he taught them that sometimes life and circumstances can beat you down–which, in the end, might be the best lesson you can teach.

4. Henry Spencer & Harry Morgan (tie)

Spencer and Morgan were both cops. They both had sons they trained to use their skills to benefit others: Spencer’s son, Shawn, developed hyper-keen observational skills that allow him to pass as a “psychic detective”; Dexter, Morgan’s adopted son, learned how to channel his sociopathic tendencies by only killing those who’ve escaped traditional justice.